A Comprehensive Look at Meghan Markle's Most Royal Hairstyles

Since the moment Meghan Markle announced her engagement to Prince Harry, it's been clear she'd be a breath of fresh air for the British monarchy—bringing with her both feminist ideals and an equally approachable sense of style. (Tights in public? Nope. Fast-fashion tops? Yep.) That sensibility, of course, extends to her hairstyles too—which is exactly why headlines explode whenever the Duchess of Sussex does something different with her part.

Where hairnets and pristine updos are usually the choice du jour for royals, Markle's famous penchant for messy buns and low ponytails feels refreshingly unfussy. In fact, the hairstyles are even considered a breach of royal protocol. And as we all now know, they often carry more meaning than what meets the eye. (Like, uh, an impending pregnancy announcement.) The past two weeks especially have been a real treat, thanks to the Duke and Duchess's whirlwind tour of Australia. So, because now's as good a time as any, let's meticulously examine the messiest-but-somehow-still-put-together looks she's worn since becoming a royal, shall we?

The Bridal Messy Bun

It was a good day for anyone placing bets that her messy bun would be forever cemented in the history books. Her wedding hair made it official: She'll be doing royalty on her terms, and it will most certainly involve tendrils.

The Wedding Reception Hair

A Low, Side-Swept Bun

Maybe the Queen said something about the tendrils because for Meghan's first outing as royalty—a garden party celebrating Prince Charles' patronages ahead of his seventieth birthday—her hair looked decidedly more polished. Or maybe there just aren't too many other options that go with such a hat.

Bouncy Waves

We know what you're wondering. Yes, this is different lop-sided, blush-toned hat than the previous, and yes, there does appear to be another way to wear your hair with one: down with shiny, structured waves.

Sleek, Loose Waves

For her first solo engagement with the Queen—visiting with schoolchildren and attending a bridge opening; standard royal stuff—Markle seemed to let loose a little more. She had a supposedly "awkward" moment, but at least her center part and shiny waves looked great.

Kate Curls

Wedding Hair (But Not Wedding Day Hair)

For her first trip to Sussex on October 3, Markle—perhaps paying an homage to the day she became the Duchess of Sussex—made a return to her signature messy bun that looked remarkably similar to her wedding reception hair.

Wedding Guest Hair

Everyone was focusing too intently on Meghan's coat ("could it be hiding a bump!?") to notice it was rather windy the day of the Princess Eugenie's wedding—not even a very royal-appropriate fascinator could keep her stray strands in place.

Definitely Pregnant Hair

Look at that glow! Look at that hair! Look at that lewk! Look at that arm placement! That is a woman who just arrived for the first leg of a two-week royal tour—and just announced that she is with child. Commence the royal baby freakout.

The 'Started on Suits, Now I'm Here' Hair

The Hidden-Message French Twist

A first (in royal life, at least) for Meghan: for day two in Fiji, she wore a French twist. But it wasn't enough to simply wear a new look. She also honored the local style with three white flowers tucked neatly into her twist. Reportedly, they're frangipani flowers, native to Fiji and often used as wedding flowers to symbolize the eternal bond between a married couple. Aw.